Review: BlackBerry Torch 9850

The 9850's media player is unchanged when compared to RIM's other BlackBerry 7-based devices. The basic search options let you cycle through artists, albums, playlists, songs and the like. The music player can be sent to the background and users may listen while doing other things, such as browsing the web. Incoming calls pause music, which resumes once the call is disconnected. There are some advanced options, but not too many. There is an audio boost; captions can be turned on/off; and music can be enhanced when the 9850 is used with headphones.

As for syncing, the latest version of BlackBerry Desktop manager is helpful for stuffing the 9850 full of your favorite playlists. It can add songs via USB cable or Wi-Fi. It is compatible with iTunes, for those who favor Apple's media management software. The Amazon MP3 store is installed to enable purchases directly from the handset and Slacker Radio is on board for streaming.

Sprint has also added its Sprint Radio and Sprint Music Plus into the mix just for the fun of it. Sprint Radio is Sprint's streaming music service, and Sprint Music Plus is another option for seeking out downloadable tunes.

Video

The 9850 also comes loaded with the same video options as found on the 9900/9930. There is a native video application that can play sideloaded or captured content. There is also a YouTube application for managing and interacting with your YouTube account.

You and I both know that Sprint can't leave its devices bereft of video options, so the Torch 9850 also has Sprint Football Live, Sprint NASCAR, and Sprint TV & Movies. These all offer streamed video content.

Given the multitudinous media options, you'll be pleased to know that movies look great on the 9850's 3.7-inch display. The streamed content, while suffering from the normal issues encountered by content sent over the network, looked as good as it would on an Android or iOS device. The sideloaded movies I stuffed onto the 9850 looked and sounded great.